A round up of news from the region's commercial property sector in the past week International management and construction consultancy Gleeds has been appointed to two key projects for Birmingham Airport.
The firm has been employed as cost manager for the procurement phase of the extension of the airport's runway and as project manager, cost manager and CDM Co-ordinator to the construction of a new air traffic control tower. Tenders are now out for the construction of the 450 metre extension which will see the modelling of the nearby A45 and will allow airlines to fly direct from Birmingham to the west coast of America and China.
The new control tower is required as part of the runway extension project and will replace the existing 70 year old building Stuart Senior, managing partner at Gleeds Nottingham, said: "Gleeds has extensive experience within the aviation sector and has previously delivered control towers for both East Midlands and John Lennon airports.
"The team has provided support to clients on projects both airside and landside and has a considerable knowledge of civil engineering works so we feel well placed to handle this scheme.
"We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious programme for Birmingham Airport which should have a positive impact as the Midlands recovers from the recession."
Begbies Traynor launches online portal Begbies Traynor has launched an online portal listing a wide range of distressed properties available for immediate sale.
It comprises commercial, retail and industrial properties spanning a wide range of sectors, as well as residential.
The website allows professional property investors to view the full portfolio for the first time online at www.begbiestraynorgroup.
com. Ric Traynor, executive chairman of Begbies Traynor Group, said he was confident it would be a success.
He said: "We are delighted to launch this portal which brings together the considerable assets under our control as well as providing a platform for other sellers to advertise their distressed properties.
"Volumes are rising rapidly and we expect the number of properties on the site to grow substantially over the next three months, due to the level of interest we have already received.
"Although the UK real estate market remains slow, we are seeing significant levels of interest in the properties we have listed."
John Kelly, Begbies Traynor regional managing partner based in Birmingham, said: "The site has already attracted significant attention - the intention is that it should become a kind of one-stop shop for the property world.
"It is something I have long thought had much potential and I am very pleased that this is proving to be the case.
"There are many Midlands assets listed, they are competitively priced and it will stimulate deals."
Activity levels remain unchanged Activity levels across the UK's regional office market is heading towards an unchanged year to the last with aggregate take-up levels for the first nine months of 2011 indicating that year-end totals will be similar to 2010.
Across the eight key markets of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and the 'Western Corridor' region monitored by Jones Lang LaSalle, combined office take-up totalled over 1.5 million sq ft in the third quarter of 2011.
This reflected an increase of 22.9 percent compared to the previous quarter however volumes were down by 36.3 per cent compared to the equivalent period last year.
Jon Carmalt, director, national offices at the Birmingham office, said: "Despite a quiet start to the year, take-up activity held up well in Birmingham with 220,000 sq ft let during the third quarter.
Leasing activity increased 40 per cent compared to the previous quarter, but was down slightly on the equivalent period last year. However, it is worth noting that the third quarter of last year was boosted by some larger deals which have been noticeably absent from take-up over 2011."
Law firm expands into new home Midlands property agents Bond Wolfe have solicited a new home for expanding law firm Freeth Cartwright.
Bond Wolfe, which has been growing its own operations, has let offices at 6 Bennetts Hill in Birmingham city centre, a move which provides Freeth Cartwright with larger premises able to serve its plans to double the lawyer headcount over the next two years.
The move is due to take place later this month.
James Mattin, managing partner of Bond Wolfe, said: "Bennetts Hill is an excellent location putting Freeth Cartwright firmly at the heart of the Birminghambusiness community. "I am sure they will find it the right centre to put in place their plans for an exciting future."
Bond Wolfe acted on behalf of landlord Real Estate Investors, while Freeth Cartwright were advised by GBR. The deal was for ten years and encompasses all 9,500 sq ft of the building at pounds 15 per sq ft.
Freeth Cartwright's Birmingham managing partner Richard Beverley said: "Freeth Cartwright has grown from nine to 23 lawyers since we opened the city office in 2007.
"Our expansion in Birmingham mirrors the firm's national growth plans, which reflect our belief that we need to maximise our size and strength to remain competitive under the new Legal Services Act."
Property firm signs new business centre lease Property specialists Johnson Consultancy has signed a new three-year lease at SEGRO's Kings Norton Business Centre.
The company, which specialises in out of town retail and retail development, has leased a 1,938 sq ft unit in Crown Road. Johnson Consultancy will operate from the site, as well as using it for storage purposes.
Jane Leedham, leasing manager for SEGRO, said: "We are pleased to welcome Johnson Consultancy to KNBC and be able to provide them with the extra office space they need."
Robin Johnson, a self-employed surveyor and managing director of Johnson Consultancy, said: "After setting up the business in 2008, I have recently employed another member of staff and was looking for an alternative office space with an element of storage facilities, which the unit at KNBC provides."
Kings Norton Business Centre is the premier Business Centre in south Birmingham, meeting the business space needs of a diverse range of companies. Located on a 24.3 hectare (60 acre) site, its local management team is able to cater for the needs of the occupiers from its on-site regional office.
The estate is maintained on a structured basis providing a first class business and working environment, with tenants benefiting from 24-hour mobile security, CCTV coverage and consequential low crime rates. KNBC's units are marketed by agents Harris Lamb and DTZ.
Plastic sheet firm makes move A Midlands company which supplies plastic sheet piling for flood defences and to stabilise motorway embankments has gained more space to aid its growth.
Aldridge Piling Equipment (Manufacturing) Ltd has taken on a 989 sq ft unit Burntwood Business Park, which is owned and managed by London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP).
The company was formed four years ago as a sister company to the long-established Aldridge Piling Equipment (Hire) Ltd in Norton Canes. In the quarter from September it has matched the previous year's turnover.
The business imports plastic sheet piling used for instance in flood defences and for retaining walls. It supplies clients including the Environment Agency and contractors working on motorways to shore up embankments.
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